Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Bari, an esteemed Associate Professor at the Centre of Advanced Study, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University, recently made significant contributions to the field of art and archaeology at the 8th International Conference of the Society of South Asian Archaeology (SOSSA). His presentation, titled "Representation of Deer in Pre-modern Art and Sculpture of India," shed light on the profound symbolism of deer in ancient Indian art.
Held in Patna in collaboration with the Bihar Museum and the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Government of Bihar, the conference provided a platform for scholars and researchers to delve into the rich cultural heritage of South Asia. Dr. Bari's participation as a resource person added depth and insight to the discussions surrounding art, culture, and archaeology.
Dr. Bari's research delved into the spiritual significance of deer in Indian art, spanning both religious and non-religious contexts. Through meticulous analysis of textual references, artistic representations, and sculptural depictions, he unveiled the multifaceted role of the deer as a symbol of divinity, spirituality, and transcendence in ancient Indian society.
According to Dr. Bari, ancient Indian art was imbued with spiritual and religious themes, with the deer serving as a recurring motif across various mediums. Whether depicted in religious texts, temple sculptures, or secular artwork, the deer symbolized qualities such as grace, purity, and innocence, mirroring the aspirational values upheld by Indian civilization.
One intriguing observation made by Dr. Bari was the evolution of artistic styles and techniques over time. He noted a shift in patronage and artistic expression, particularly during the reign of rulers of Turkish and Afghan origin post-1206 AD. While these rulers may not have prioritized painting to the same extent as their predecessors, such as the Mughals, their era witnessed a flourishing of regional painting traditions.
Dr. Bari highlighted the significant role played by the migration of painters from Mughal centers to regional kingdoms. This movement facilitated the cross-pollination of artistic ideas and techniques, leading to the emergence of distinct regional styles such as Kangra, Rajasthani, and Pahadi paintings. These regional schools of art, characterized by their synthesis of religious and non-religious themes, contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian visual culture.
In addition to his presentation, Dr. Bari also co-chaired a technical session on "The Recent Researches in Archaeology," further underscoring his expertise and leadership in the field.
Overall, Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Bari's research serves as a testament to the enduring significance of ancient Indian art and its profound cultural, religious, and spiritual dimensions. By unraveling the symbolism of the deer in Indian art, his work enriches our understanding of the complexities of Indian civilization and its artistic legacy.
